These awards were established to recognize the environmental leadership efforts and activities of individuals, businesses and organizations in the state. The DEP awards are in their fourth year and coordinated by the Division of Compliance Assistance to support the mission of recognizing and encouraging environmental stewardship in Kentucky.

“The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection created this awards program to highlight some of the environmental leaders in the Commonwealth each year,” said R. Bruce Scott, DEP commissioner. “Their achievements are positive examples that inspire others to protect Kentucky’s environment and conserve our precious resources.”

The awards include three Environmental Pacesetter awards to recognize exemplary efforts to protect the environment, conserve resources and set an example of environmental stewardship. The Community Environmental Luminary Award highlights achievements in community-based environmental education and outreach. The Resource Caretaker Award focuses on efforts to conserve Kentucky’s resources. The KY EXCEL Champion Award recognizes a KY EXCEL member that has shown leadership in promoting positive environmental behaviors and the KY EXCEL program.

Launched by DEP in 2006, KY EXCEL is a voluntary program that recognizes efforts to improve and protect Kentucky’s environment above and beyond the state’s environmental requirements and is open to any individual, organization, community or business.

Award nominations are being accepted until close of business on July 31, 2013. Winners will be notified by early September and invited to the awards presentation scheduled during this year’s 2013 Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment, which will be conducted Sept. 17-18 at the Lexington Convention Center.

For more information about the awards program, KY EXCEL and to access a nomination form, visit http://dca.ky.gov/ or call the Division of Compliance Assistance toll-free at 800-926-8111.

SurfKY NewsInformation provided by the Division of Compliance Assistance